Naperville's Nicor Gas Providing $100K In Environmental Grants

NAPERVILLE, IL – A Naperville-based business committed to protecting the environment by caring for natural spaces in the community through the investment of local not-for-profit organizations that contribute to clean air and other conservation-based initiatives has announced it will provide $100,000 in grant funding to support local environmental stewardship efforts.

Nicor Gas announced this week that local not-for-profit groups may apply for grants provided by Nicor that will support local environmental initiatives. Grant applications will be accepted through May 31 and grants will be awarded by the end of June, Nicor officials said in a news release. Each group or organization selected will receive up to $5,000 in grant funding this year to assist in their efforts.

The application for the funds can be found here.

“At Nicor Gas, we are committed to being good environmental stewards and actively working to preserve our state’s natural legacy,” Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Engagement at Nicor Gas, said in a news release this week. “Investing in organizations that share our focus to preserve Illinois’ green space, conservation efforts and sustainability is one way we’re helping ensure future generations enjoy the benefit these projects bring for years to come.”

As the largest natural gas provider in Illinois, Nicor Gas is committed to creating, maintaining and sustaining 10,000 acres of open space in its service area, and helping to achieve equitable access to cultural, educational, and recreational spaces, the company said.

Last year, the company announced a sustainability initiative to support the conservation of 10,000 acres of open land across northern Illinois, including inaugural grants to support:

• Chicago Region Trees Initiative — An initiative of The Morton Arboretum that aims to increase the Chicago region’s tree canopy, reduce threats to trees, enhance oak ecosystems and inspire people to value trees, and create a more sustainable future.
• Get Growing Foundation — Works to inspire, educate and motivate the next generation of gardeners. Last year, the Foundation partnered with the Joliet Park District to provide 500 native starter plants.

Over the decades, Nicor Gas has engaged in prairie restoration projects, participated in biodiversity-recovery efforts and supported conservation-focused organizations like the Chicago Zoological Society, Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, The Conservation Foundation, and more.